santa claus indiana travel guide

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There's a Real Town Called Santa Claus in the U.S. — and It’s as Festive as It Sounds

Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana.

Places to Stay in Santa Claus

Holiday world and splashin’ safari, other things to do, restaurants and bars, best times to visit, how to get there.

David Williams

Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana: a real-life town that celebrates Christmas all year long. This town is jolly 365 days a year, with plenty of holiday-fueled fun (including numerous Christmas-themed attractions to enjoy) — even in the heat of summer.

This town’s quirky story dates back to the 19th century when the town’s original name application was rejected, and its community decided on “Santa Claus” instead. The town’s first tourist attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, opened in the 1930s — and the rest is history. 

Santa Claus’s crown jewel is a theme park aptly named Holiday World, with lands dedicated to different holidays, a water park, and the most impressive collection of roller coasters in the area. This small town is also home to an official Santa Claus post office that draws in thousands of letters to Father Christmas from around the globe each year.

And it’s not all whimsy. Visitors can also walk in the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln and enjoy the outdoors at Lincoln State Park between holiday-themed activities. 

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Santa Claus, Indiana. 

Related: 25 Best Christmas Towns in the U.S.  

Accommodation options in Santa Claus include kitschy themed hotels like Santa’s Lodge , one and two-bedroom cottages at Santa’s Lakeside Cottages , campsites and cabins at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph , and spacious home rentals like Mistletoe Manor .

The highlight for many is Holiday World , a theme park that dates back to the 1940s when it opened as Santa Claus Land. It’s grown throughout the years, expanding from solely a Christmas-themed land to include other holidays, like Halloween, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. The family-owned park now offers an impressive line-up of award-winning roller coasters, but it has maintained a charming, small-town feel. Plus, fewer crowds, affordable prices, and friendly employees make it a great place for a  family excursion. 

Courtesy of Spencer County Visitors Bureau /  SantaClausInd.org  

The Voyage, a high-speed wooden roller coaster, is a must for serious thrill seekers. And in the warmer months, check out Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster, at Splashin’ Safari. The fun extends to food with the park’s signature blue ice cream (a Midwest favorite) and a bounty of holiday-inspired treats. Holiday World is typically open from May through October; check the theme park’s website for exact dates. 

Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park is a calming oasis of over 2,000 acres of stunning scenery with trails, campsites, boat rentals, and picnic areas set along Lake Lincoln. Don’t forget to stop by the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, the site where Abraham Lincoln and his family lived for 14 years during his childhood.

Santa’s Candy Castle

Santa’s Candy Castle dates back to 1935, and it’s a can’t-miss stop when visiting Santa Claus. The shop offers a staggeringly large collection of candies, including vintage and rare sweet treats, as well as homemade confections. It’s also known for a special beverage that fits right in with the town’s theme — frozen hot chocolate.

Santa Claus Museum & Village

Start your holiday-inspired trip with a visit to the Santa Claus Museum & Village . It’s home to the 1880 Santa Claus Church, a 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue that dates to 1935, and the original Santa Claus Post Office. Explore the town’s origins through exhibits and artifacts you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t forget to write a letter to jolly Saint Nick while visiting.  

Christmas Lake Golf Club

This par 72 course is a welcome break from the nearby activities and features an on-site restaurant, full driving range, putting green, and shop for the utmost convenience.

Plymouth Rock Cafe

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner all season long at this holiday-themed restaurant located inside Holiday World. The casual quick-service eatery is serving up the festive favorite with juicy turkey, savory mashed potatoes, and all the fixings. It also offers a cornucopia of other homestyle delights, including barbeque beef brisket and pulled pork, for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Santa Claus Brewing Co.

As one of the newest additions to Santa Claus located just across the street from Holiday World, this brewery is pouring an ever-rotating lineup of suds handcrafted right in their on-site taproom. Beyond the beer, the brewery offers a menu of pub favorites, including wings, burgers, and its twist on pretzel nuggets, reindeer balls.

Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery

Part of the Hoosier Wine Trail and located minutes from Santa Claus, Monkey Hollow is a family-owned-and-operated winery and distillery . Come summertime, the facility fires up the grill for prime outdoor dining with a view of the area’s green rolling hills.

With plenty of outdoor activities including the state park and Holiday World, summer is an ideal time to visit. Summer visitors can also take advantage of seasonal events, like movies at the drive-in theater, outdoor fairs, and specialty fireworks.

Of course, Santa Claus is also a popular destination during the holiday season. Santa Claus Christmas Celebration takes place the first three weekends in December, adding merriment with drive-thru light displays, shopping experiences, chestnut roasting, meet and greets with Santa, and the Santa Claus Christmas Parade. 

Given its proximity to major cities including Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, it’s a popular road trip for families in the Midwest. Evansville Regional Airport is located just under 50 miles west and Louisville International Airport is approximately 80 miles to the east. If you fly, you’ll want to rent a car so you can get around.

Related Articles

Visiting Santa Claus, Indiana – the Midwest town where it's Christmas all year

Santa and his elves aren't the only ones who celebrate Christmas 365 days a year. There's a small town in southwestern Indiana where every season is the holiday season, and there's as much Christmas cheer in June as there is in December. Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana.

Related: From Alaska to New York City, here are 10 of our favorite US Christmas markets

At less than 7 square miles and with a population of about 2,500 people, Santa Claus manages to pack a lot of Christmas spirit into a small area. There's a post office where you can write letters to Santa (and get a response from his elves), a holiday-inspired theme park, a massive holiday decor shop, and a candy store with every goody and gumdrop imaginable.

What's even more extraordinary than finding a winter wonderland more than 3,000 miles from the North Pole is that it never set out to be "America's Christmas Hometown" in the first place.

A Christmas miracle

In the 1850s, when the town now known as Santa Claus was large enough to apply for its very own post office, residents settled on the name Santa Fee. Unfortunately, the application was rejected because the name was too similar to an already established town in northern Indiana called Santa Fe.

According to local legend, while the townspeople were discussing new names at church on Christmas Eve, the church doors blew open and sleigh bells could be heard ringing outside. The children began yelling that Santa Claus must be outside, and the town had its name.

Related: 12 festive hotels for people who really love the holidays

After submitting a new application, the Santa Claus, Indiana, post office was officially established on May 21, 1856. The rest, as they say, is history (well, history and a bit of Christmas magic).

Putting Santa Claus on the map

Despite the fortuitous turn of events, Santa Claus didn't immediately embrace its namesake. That didn't happen until 1914 when the town's then-postmaster, James Martin, began responding to letters addressed to Santa that found their way to the town's post office, according to the Indiana Historical Bureau's "Indiana History Blog ."

Martin's antics caught the attention of Robert Ripley of "Ripley's Believe It or Not" fame. He featured the town in one of his newspaper cartoons in 1930. The legend — and volume of letters — only grew from there. Christmas-themed tourist attractions began popping up all over town, many of which you can still visit to this day.

Related: 10 holiday destinations for festive family fun

Walking in a winter wonderland all year long

Today, a colorful Santa statue atop a "Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana" sign greets guests as they drive into town. It's one of more than 20 Santa statues that you'll find around town as you explore the attractions, scenery and year-round festive fun.

Here are some of the most popular spots to check out if you visit.

Santa Claus Museum & Village

The Santa Claus Museum & Village is where you'll find some of the town's original buildings, including the 1856 post office that started it all. The building no longer functions as a true post office, though you step inside to write and mail a letter to Santa. Every single letter is answered by a team of volunteer "elves." If you can't visit in person, you can also mail your letter from home .

You can also learn more about the town's history inside the museum building, visit the original 1880 Santa Claus Church and see the town's tallest Santa statue, a 22-foot-tall granite Santa carved in 1935.

There is no admission fee to visit the museum, but they do accept donations.

Santa's Candy Castle

After Ripley's mention garnered some major publicity for Santa Claus, Santa's Candy Castle opened in 1935 as the town's first tourist attraction. It's often billed as the first themed tourist attraction in the country.

The exterior looks as if it were pulled straight from the pages of a fairytale. This is appropriate because the inside holds every child's fantasy: an entire building of wall-to-wall candy. You'll find nostalgic and current favorites, a room filled with practically every model of Pez dispenser, and weird yet wonderful sweets like lollipops with worms inside and some of the world's spiciest candies.

While you are stocking up on sweets, pick up some of Santa Candy Castle's signature popcorn flavors and a frozen hot chocolate. (It's the perfect treat to cool you down if you visit during the hot summer months.)

Holiday World

If you visit Holiday World today, you'll find lands themed to popular U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, Independence Day and, of course, Christmas. When it opened in 1946, however, it was dedicated solely to Christmas and went by the name Santa Claus Land . Guests could meet Santa, visit a toy shop and go on kiddie-sized rides.

Santa Claus Land predates Disneyland by nine years and is often lauded as the world's first theme park. There are amusement parks that opened prior to Santa Claus Land, but none with a cohesive theme.

The family-owned and -operated park continues to grow in both size and popularity. You'll still find plenty of kiddie rides, but the park also has three award-winning wooden coasters — The Raven, The Legend and The Voyage — the country's first launched wing coaster called Thunderbird and a 40-acre water park. Parking, soft drinks and sunscreen are free at this family-friendly park that regularly receives accolades for its friendliness and cleanliness.

For the 2024 season, Holiday World will open a new coaster in the Thanksgiving section of the park called Good Gravy. Among other maneuvers, the gravy boat-shaped coaster cars will travel through a giant can of cranberry jelly and sail past an 18-foot-tall rolling pin along the nearly 1,500 feet of track. The park is also adding a play area for kids adjacent to the new ride, which is expected to open May 4, 2024.

Holiday World tickets start at $54.99 and include free admission to Splashin' Safari Water Park (open seasonally). Preschoolers are eligible for a free season pass .

Santa Claus Christmas Store

You'd be hard-pressed to find more Christmas decor, toys, collectibles and ornaments than you'll see on display inside the Santa Claus Christmas Store . In addition to shopping for friends and family or bolstering your own decor collection, you can purchase fudge and other holiday treats.

The Santa Claus Christmas Store is open from May 1 through Dec. 31. On select days, you can meet Santa for a photo and a quick rundown of your holiday wish list. You can check Santa's availability on the store's Facebook page .

Santa's Toys

If you are shopping for little ones, Santa's Toys has everything you need and then some. This ultimate toy shop carries toys for kids of all ages, including games, puzzles, wooden toys, stuffed animals and more. There are even tiny shopping carts that your kids can fill up with their favorites as they navigate the aisles.

Places to stay

When visiting Santa Claus, Indiana, you could stay in nearby Louisville, Kentucky, or Evansville, Indiana — both of which are only about an hour away. But if you want to keep the holiday fun going after a day spent exploring, you can stay right in the middle of it all.

If you love camping, Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is just next door to Holiday World; it offers tent and RV camping, as well as cozy cabins. If you prefer a more traditional hotel stay, Santa's Lodge is only about a mile away and offers complimentary continental breakfast and fun outdoor activities like fishing, swimming and a playground. For a home-away-from-home feel, opt for Santa's Lakeside Cottages .

Bottom line

It goes without saying that Christmas is an enchanting time of year to visit Santa Claus, Indiana, but you don't have to wait for the holidays to visit. You can get your fill of holiday magic in spring, summer and fall because this town never takes down its Christmas decorations.

Related reading:

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Santa Claus, Indiana: The Complete Guide

What to eat, where to stay, and things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Year Visited: 2023

Time of Year: November

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Or maybe I should say yes, Indiana…

If you love small towns with Hallmark Christmas movie vibes as much as I do, you may want to plan a trip to Santa Claus, Indiana . It’s a small town in southern Indiana with lots of holiday themed attractions. And there are a surprisingly lot of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana!

I’ve got all the things for you to do, as well as where to eat and where to stay, with tips from my friends who are locals!

What’s in this Article?

About santa claus, indiana, best time of year to visit, things to do in santa claus, things to do near santa claus, places to eat, where to stay, movies to watch before visiting, like this article share it on pinterest.

The Christmas Village at the Santa Claus Museum.

Santa Claus, Indiana is a town of about 2,500 people in southern Indiana. It’s just about an hour from Louisville, Kentucky to the east, and Evansville, Indiana to the west.

History of Santa Claus, Indiana

The year was 1855. The small town of Santa Fee, Indiana was applying to the US government for its very own post office. But their application was rejected because the name of their town was too similar to the already established Santa Fe, Indiana. Go figure.

On a cold, blustery Christmas Eve night (or so the legend goes) the townspeople stayed after their Christmas Eve service to discuss a new name for their town. A large gust of wind blew open the doors of the building and the faint sound of jingle bells could be heard outside, leading a child to cry out “Santa Claus!”

And so, they applied for a post office under the name of Santa Claus, Indiana.

Letters to Santa

After opening their “Santa Claus” post office, the town started to receive letters that were addressed to… you guessed it, Santa Claus! In 1914, the Santa Claus post master decided these letters needed an answer, so he gathered a group of volunteers to help him respond the each child’s letter to Santa.

This action soon garnered the small town national attention, and people began to visit Santa Claus, Indiana. The increasing number of visitors, and the local residents’ desires to not disappoint the kids coming to see Santa Claus, led to the development of some of the world’s first themed attractions, and the town of Santa Claus as we know it today.

Weather in Santa Claus, Indiana

Much to the chagrin of white Christmas lovers everywhere, Santa Claus, Indiana does not get a lot of snow. It is actually further south than Louisville, so snow is a rare (though not impossible) occurrence there.

The weather remains pretty mild in the winter, and hot in the summer. Late October is a good time for fall weather here.

What time zone is Santa Claus, Indiana in?

Santa Claus, Indiana is on Central time.

This can get super confusing, since most of Indiana is on Eastern time, and Santa Claus is very close to the time zone line.

Depending on where you stay and what other attractions you visit, some of these might be in the Eastern time zone, but the town of Santa Claus is on Central time.

Who should visit Santa Claus, Indiana?

Santa Claus is a great destination for everyone, but it is especially good for families, Christmas lovers, and history buffs.

Best Time of Year to Visit Santa Claus, Indiana

You can visit Santa Claus, Indiana any time of year, but some times will be better than others.

Be sure to pay attention to the opening hours of the local attractions. Some events and attractions are only open during the Christmas season, while others are only available during the warmer months.

December is the best time of year to visit Santa Claus. All the festive attractions are sure to put you in the holiday mood!

Santa’s Candy Castle , with their famous hot chocolate, is open daily during the Christmas season. There are also other seasonal activities, like the Santa Claus Land of Lights Christmas light drive through and the town’s Christmas Celebration .

You can also mail your holiday cards from the Santa Claus, IN post office with a special holiday postmark that is only available in December.

Bonus: You can mail your holiday cards to the Santa Claus Post Office to get the holiday post mark, even if you aren’t actually in town. More info on that below.

Summer is another popular time to visit Santa Claus, mainly for the Holiday World theme park. The park is generally open daily May-July, and then on weekends through October.

Mid-Late October

I love traveling places in the fall, and southern Indiana is no exception! October would be a beautiful time of year to visit the state.

The weather will be comfortable, the crowds will have thinned, there are lots of fall festivities going on (like Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World), and the changing leaves will make a perfect backdrop for all of fun things to do in Santa Claus and nearby!

Things to Do in Santa Claus, Indiana

There are a lot of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. Remember to pay attention to opening times, as they are not all open year-round.

Santa Claus Museum & Christmas Village

The original Santa Claus post office, where you can mail a letter to Santa.

The Santa Claus Museum is one of the main things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. Here you can learn the history of Santa Claus (the town), see letters that kids have written to Santa, and, if you’re lucky, maybe even meet the big guy himself!

The Christmas Village includes:

The Santa Claus Museum

The original Santa Claus post office building, where you can send a letter to Santa!

An 1880 chapel with a beautiful nativity scene inside

The 22-foot Santa Claus statue, made in 1935

This is an especially good place to bring kids, but it’s worth a quick stop for adults as well (at least those of us who are Hallmark movie characters at heart). It’s also the best place in town to take photos (lots of good insta/holiday card backdrops!).

The museum is open year-round, and they host special events throughout the year.

How to mail a letter to Santa Claus:

Even if you are not visiting Santa Claus, Indiana, you can still mail a letter to Santa Claus and have it answered!

Letters received before December 17 will receive replies from Santa Claus! Mail your letter to:

Santa Claus

Santa Claus, IN 47579

Holiday World

The main attraction in Santa Claus, Indiana is Holiday World , which also happens to be the world’s first theme park!

The park was first opened in 1946 by businessman Louis J. Koch as a Christmas themed amusement park, because he saw how disappointed many kids were when they came to Santa Claus, Indiana, and discovered Santa was not actually there!

Today the park has five different sections: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, 4th of July, and the Splashin’ Safari water park.

Not only does it hold the distinction of the world’s first theme park, it also has the world’s best water park ride (the Wildebeest) and one of the world’s top wooden roller coasters (the Raven)! Holiday World is definitely one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, and in all of Indiana !

The park is open most days in May-July, and weekends in August-October. They offer free parking for park-goers (take that Disney World!).

Santa’s Candy Castle

Holiday World may be the world’s first theme park, but Santa’s Candy Castle is the world’s first themed attraction! The castle, opened in 1935, is actually part of the original “Santa Claus Town” that also included Santa’s Workshop and Toy Village.

The attraction was the town’s first answer to the families that came, hoping to see Santa Claus, and was free for visitors to come to! Unfortunately, during WWII, they lost many sponsors and visitors, and eventually closed down.

But in 2005, a new family bought the property and started restoring it! Santa’s Candy Castle reopened in 2006.

The building itself is a fun sight to see, but there is so much more to do inside! They have an entire room devoted to PEZ candies, and the first ever PEZ dispenser character (Santa Claus!), and a gourmet hot chocolate bar (I’ve been told the frozen hot chocolate is famous!!).

Be sure to check the opening hours for Santa’s Candy Castle. They are typically open daily in the summer season from Memorial Day-mid August, have limited hours in early May and November, and are open daily during the Christmas season.

Santa Claus Christmas Store

The Santa Claus Christmas Store is a HUGE store FILLED with all things Christmas (as its name implies…). It is a Christmas wonderland for holiday lovers, with all sorts of decorations and ornaments and rooms and rooms of Christmas souvenirs to browse.

You can also order yourself a cozy hot chocolate and some roasted chestnuts and sit in the little cafe in the back, dreaming that you are in a real life Hallmark Christmas movie.

The holiday store is open May-December.

Go Shopping along Kringle Place

Besides the famous Santa Claus Christmas Store, there are a lot of other cute shops to visit along Kringle Place. There is the Evergreen Boutique , a toy store , the post office, even a hardware store that I would shop in just because it’s adorable.

Spend some time browsing around all the local shops in the plaza.

Mail a Christmas Card

One of the fun things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana is to mail your Christmas cards from the Santa Claus Post Office on Kringle Place.

Not to be confused with the post office at the Santa Claus Museum & Village, where you can send letters TO Santa, this is the current post office actually serving the town. During the month of December, there is a special holiday postmark available, which is different every year.

It’s just a simple thing to add a little extra magic to your holiday season. The special Santa Claus postage mark is designed each year by a local high school student, which makes it even more special!

Be sure to ask for the holiday postmark when you go in to mail your cards.

There is a limit of 50 postmarks per customer.

The postmark is free to add to your mail.

Did you know? You can get the Santa Claus holiday postmark without physically being in Santa Claus, Indiana!

How to mail a letter with the Santa Claus postmark:

If you can’t visit Santa Claus, Indiana but you still want to mail your Christmas cards with the unique Santa Claus postmark, you can actually mail your cards to Santa Claus and have them postmarked and sent out from there.

First make sure that all your cards are addressed and stamped, so they can be mailed out from the Santa Clause post office. Be sure to leave enough space (about a 2 inch by 4 inch area) between the stamp and the address on the envelope.

Then put all your cards in a package or a big envelope and mail them to this address:

P.O. Box 9998

Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998

Things to Do Near Santa Claus, Indiana

In addition to all of the fun things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, there are a lot of great attractions just a few minutes drive away from the town (just be sure to double check what time zone you’re going to).

The Lincoln Parks

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln grew up just down the road from Santa Claus, Indiana (before it was called Santa Claus)?

Today, you can visit a recreation of the log cabin in the spot where the Lincoln family lived, at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial .

Just across the street from the National Memorial is the Lincoln State Park , with 10 miles of walking trails, the home of Colonel Jones (an early employer of Lincoln), and the Lincoln Amphitheater , a great place to see a show in the warmer months!

St. Meinrad Archabbey

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a monk, you can tour (for free) St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana, a 15 minute drive from Santa Claus.

Visit their gift shop, tour the grounds (on your own or on a guided tour), or even stay overnight in their guest house.

Monastery Immaculate Conception

In St. Meinrad you have the monk’s monastery, and in Ferdinand, Indiana, you have the Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery Immaculate Conception .

This beautiful monastery is also a 15 minute drive from Santa Claus. You can take free tours of their gorgeous monastery, wander around on your own, eat at the brewery (yes, a brewery on their grounds!), or stay overnight.

A “League of Their Own” Field

One of the most unique things to do near Santa Claus (actually, everything here is super unique!) is to watch a baseball game at League Stadium, where they actually filmed A League of Their Own.

You can visit the stadium for a baseball game, or just take a tour (or both!). The stadium is in Huntingburg, a 20 minute drive from Santa Claus, Indiana.

Bonus: League Stadium in Huntingburg is where they filmed the home games of the Rockford Peaches in A League of Their Own.” Just another hour away, in Evansivlle, IN is Bosse Field , where they filmed the championship game.

Places to Eat in Santa Claus, Indiana

The Santa Claus, Indiana website has a list of places to eat in Santa Claus, and within a few minutes drive from the town center.

Another great place to find food is right in Holiday World , if you’re at the park. Plymouth Rock Cafe is a popular restaurant in Holiday World, serving Thanksgiving favorites.

I asked my friends who are locals where their favorite places to eat were. These are some of their suggestions (along with a frozen hot chocolate from Santa’s Candy Castle ! ).

Fry’d and Chop’d

Fry’d and Chop’d is a restaurant/ax throwing venue in Huntingburg, Indiana, just a 20 minute drive from Santa Claus (where the League of Their Own field is!). They’ve got delicious fried food, and then when you’re finished eating, you can burn off some calories with ax throwing…!

Frosty’s Fun Center

Frosty’s Fun Center was suggested by my friends as having the best pizza around (and by their kids… because it’s fun). In addition to pizza, they also have an arcade and mini golf course.

Unfortunately, the restaurant closed at the end of July, as the current owners were selling it, and there has not yet been any updates on reopening it.

St. Benedict’s Brew Works

St. Benedict’s Brew Works might be the most unique place to eat near Santa Claus, Indiana.

Located on the grounds of the Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery Immaculate Conception, this brewery offers delicious pub fare and beers. And punny t-shirts with phrases like “Ale Mary.”

Where to Stay in Santa Claus, Indiana

There are actually so many places to stay in Santa Claus, Indiana, and some of them are very unique!

Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

The Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph campground is the best place to stay in Santa Claus.

It is right next to Holiday World, and they offer free transportation to the park and back. They also have their own “mini” waterpark for guests ($10 a person), as well as swimming pools, mini golf, and other fun resort activities. They even have seasonal activities like trick-or-treating and their Christmas lights display.

They have RV and tent sites, and a variety of different cabin rentals available.

Santa’s Cottages

Just outside of town is Santa’s Cottages Lakeside Family Resort.

Like Lake Rudolph, they also offer seasonal events like trick-or-treating and the Reindeer Express train. You can rent different size cottages around the lake at this beautiful resort.

Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort

Another lakefront resort with cabin rentals is Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort , located just outside of the Lincoln parks. They have a pool, arcade, and lots of other fun things to do for guests of their resort.

Lincoln State Park Campground

As if you weren’t spoiled for choice of cabins and campgrounds already… you could also book a stay at a campsite or cabin on the grounds of the Lincoln State Park .

Santa’s Lodge

If renting a cabin is not your thing and you really just want a normal hotel room, Santa’s Lodge is the closest place to stay in Santa Claus. They have some good reviews and some bad reviews…

Overall they seem to be a pretty average hotel in need of some updating. I personally would not choose to stay here, but it is definitely an option for staying close to Santa Claus!

Stay in a Monastery

Both the St. Meinrad Archabbey and the Monastery Immaculate Conception have guest houses where you can actually stay on the grounds of the monastery and experience what life is like for the monks or the sisters.

Movies to Watch

I always like to watch movies about a place, or that remind me of a place before I visit (and after, too!). It gets me excited to go, and excited when I see things from the movies in real life!

Here are some movies you should watch before you visit Santa Claus, Indiana:

Miracle on 34th Street

Especially the black and white one! Even though this takes place in NYC, this reminds me so much of Santa Claus, Indiana, because of the post office recognizing the letters to Santa. It’s a great movie to watch before visiting a place that became famous by answering letters to Santa Claus.

Hallmark Christmas Movies

Santa Claus 100% sounds like a Hallmark Christmas movie location, and is a great place for Hallmark Christmas movie fans to visit. So go ahead and binge 1 or 12 of their cheesy Christmas love stories.

Any other Christmas movie ever

Basically any of your favorite Christmas movies is good to watch before visiting. Might I suggest the one actually called The Santa Clause?

A League of Their Own

I had this classic movie on my personal list of movies to watch before I visited Indiana. But I forgot to watch it until I was at my friends’ house (who live close to Santa Claus) and they were telling me other places to visit, including the baseball stadium where they actually filmed the movie!

So make sure (unlike me) you actually watch this movie before you visit!

(Or any other movie having to do with Abraham Lincoln). I was surprised to find Lincoln’s boyhood home in southern Indiana, as well as the trail of “12 stones” marking significant moments in his life, such as the rock on which he stood to give the Gettysburg Address.

Learn more about one of our nation’s most iconic presidents before visiting his boyhood home by watching Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln.

So there is all the information you need to plan a magical trip to southern Indiana. With so many unique things to do in Santa Claus, it is truly a great vacation destination for everyone!

Like real life Christmas towns? Visit this town in Canada:

Any more questions.

If you have any more questions, feel free to email me or leave a comment below.

Planning a trip to Santa Claus?

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Santa Claus (Indiana)

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around

Santa Claus — America's Christmas home town — is a village of 2,600 people (2020) in Southwestern Indiana . The town is a destination for Christmas-related activities.

The town was once named Santa Fee. The name was changed in 1856 as it sounded too similar to Santa Fe, Indiana, a settlement 200 mi (320 km) to the north.

Christmas Boulevard is the main street; other roads bear the names of the Three Wise Men, Chestnut by the Fire and Santa's reindeer. Letters to Santa Claus have been answered locally since 1914, with 20,000 personal replies sent annually by a group of 200 volunteers, many of whom come from afar.

Among the local landmarks are the old church, the post office and a 10-foot statue of Santa Claus. Kringle Place, the main shopping area in Santa Claus, is a mix of Christmas-themed shops and everyday chain stores. There are models of Santa everywhere. A gated residential community, Christmas Lake Village, was established in the 1960s.

The main events take place on the first three weekends in December. There's a candy shop, a toy store and Christmas cards which may be mailed with the local postmark .

All times listed are in the Central time zone (GMT-6).

• Santa Claus tourism website

Santa Claus is 8 mi (13 km) south of Ferdinand and 5 mi (8.0 km) east of the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Lincoln State Park on Route 162.

There is no local public transportation; the nearest taxi is 20-30 miles distant.

• Christmas Lake Golf Course , 1 Clubhouse Road , toll-free: +1-877-962-7465 . Golf, events centre, 19th Hole restaurant.  
• Frosty’s Fun Centre , 15 Cedar Lane , ☏ +1 812-544-3338 . Christmas-themed 18-hole miniature golf course, arcade games, restaurant with sandwiches, ice cream and fresh pizza.  
• Santa's Stables , 6709 E. County Road 1450 North, Lamar, Indiana , ☏ +1 812-340-2288 . Apr-Oct: Sa Su 9AM-4PM; summer: daily 9AM-7PM . 20-minute and 45-minute horse and pony riding tours. horses $25-35/rider; $5 pony ride for kids . ( updated Dec 2017 )

• Santa Claus Christmas Store , 33 North Kringle Place , toll-free: +1-877-224-1772 . Seasonal, May 1-Dec 31 . Christmas hats, freshly-baked cookies, decorations and Christmas village collectibles. The man with the red robes and white beard may be found in Santa's grotto at the back of the store from May onward.  
• Kringle Place , ☏ +1 812-937-5000 . Commercial plaza with a dozen businesses including the post office, Santa Claus Christmas Store, Brick Oven Pizza, bank, pharmacy, Holiday Foods grocery and Spencer County travel info bureau.  
• Santa's Toys , 3. N Kringle Place , ☏ +1 812-937-6050 . Has toys for all ages but caters to younger children, has vintage style toys ( updated May 2019 )
• Brick Oven Pizza , 21 North Kringle Place , ☏ +1 812-937-2311 .  
• American Legion Post 242 , 41 N Holiday Blvd , ☏ +1 812-937-2611 , [email protected] . F Sa 5-10PM . ( updated Dec 2020 )
• 38.116839 -86.925475 1 Santa's Lodge , 91 W Christmas Blvd, , ☏ +1 812-937-1902 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool, catch and release fishing, ziplines, paddle boats, and a bounce house. Room prices include parking and wi-fi. St Nick's Restaurant serves seasonal full service breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ​Restrictive policy requires first night paid in advance and three days notice to cancel; smoking is prohibited, pets are not welcome. ( updated Dec 2017 )
• The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and state park are 5 mi (8.0 km) west.
• Ferdinand is the closest town.

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17 Festive Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana

Are you planning a trip to Holiday World? During your visit, check out these fun things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Celebrate the holiday season year-round with a visit to the charming small town of Santa Claus. True to its name Christmas takes center stage with a holiday-themed amusement park, attractions, and lodging. Write a letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum, grab a frozen hot chocolate from Santa’s candy castle, then see if you can find all of the Santa statues throughout the city.

In this article, we will take you from the childhood home of Abraham Lincoln to zipping down roller coasters with our list of the top things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

We thank our friends at Santa Claus, Indiana , for sponsoring this post. This page contains affiliate links. 

Where is Santa Claus, Indiana?

Santa Claus, Indiana, is in the southwestern portion of Indiana in Spencer County.

Drive Times To Santa Claus:

Cincinnati: 157 miles ~ 2 hours and 55 minutes

Louisville: 72 miles ~ 1 hour and 11 minutes

Indianapolis: 179 miles ~ 2 hours and 41 minutes

Top Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana

Stay at sun outdoor lake rudolph.

Sun Outdoor Lake Rudolph is one of the best places to stay while visiting Santa Claus, Indiana. The Lake Rudolph campground offers a variety of cabin rentals, full hookup RV sites, and tent camping. In addition to having plenty of vacation rentals, Lake Rudolph has tons of family-friendly amenities.

Holiday Cottage

During our visit, we stayed at the Holiday Cottage. The Holiday Cottages are spacious 2-BR cabins with a full kitchen, dining space, and screened-in porch. One bedroom had a full-size bed with a bunk over it, and the other room had a queen-size bed. There are larger cabins available; however, we found this perfectly suitable for two adults and two children.

Tips For Staying At The Holiday Cabin At Lake Rudolph

• You will need to bring your top sheets and blankets. The fitted sheet and pillows with pillow cases are provided.
• Bring your own towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
• The kitchen has essential cookware and serving ware. I recommend bringing meals that are easy to pop in the oven, one-pan meals, or using the charcoal grill.
• Bring an oven mitt or use a towel to get hot things out of the oven.
• They provide coffee filters for the coffee maker.
• Bring salt, pepper, oil, and other spices you need for cooking.
• Bring charcoal, foil, and lighter/ lighter fluid if you plan on using the grill.

Amenities At Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

You will not have to step foot off of the campground with all the great amenities and programs that Lake Rudolph offers. Many families choose to spend the day at Santa’s Splashdown Waterpark, which guests of Lake Rudulph can access for a daily fee. It makes a great alternative to Holiday World as it offers water slides, a splash area with a dumping bucket, and a baby splash area.

Golf carts are available to rent out daily. You can reserve your golf cart when you make campground reservations or upon arrival. Keep in mind that golf cart rentals are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Be sure to check these fun amenities out during your stay:

• Access to the outdoor pool and toddler pool are included in your stay.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary mini-golf.
• There are a variety of playgrounds, basketball courts, horseshoes, and sand volleyball courts.
• Paddleboats are available to rent from Prancer’s Activity Center.
• Check out their website for a detailed list of the daily programming happening around the campground.
• Enjoy a nature hike on Prancer’s Path or Dasher’s Path.
• A camp store and Blitzen’s Kitchen are great spots to grab stables or a quick meal.
• There is a FREE shuttle to and from Holiday World.
• You can go gem mining for a small fee.
• There is a Dog Park.
• Catch an appearance by Rudolph!

Are you looking for a Christmas-themed hotel? Stay overnight at nearby  Santa’s Lodge .

Visit Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari

The best place to visit in Santa Claus, Indiana, with kids, is  Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari . As the premier amusement park and waterpark in southern Indiana, Holiday World takes guests through different holiday-themed lands, and your ticket gives you admission to Splashin’ Safari water park. Ride the Turkey Whirl in Thanksgiving, grab a blue ice cream cone in the 4th of July, and hop a ride on Santa’s Sled in Christmas.

Tip:  I recommend kids be over 36 inches to ride a good amount of rides.

I really enjoyed this amusement park because it was a good mix of classic family rides, kid rides with a handful of thrill rides. While there is not a designated kiddie section of the park, parents can find many kids’ rides in Christmas and Holidog Town, including a kiddie coaster.

After riding the Raven, named the world’s best wooden roller coaster, venture to Splashin Safari to beat the afternoon heat.

Splashin’ Safari water park

Splashin Safari is known for its water coasters and water rides. It is often deemed a showroom for other parks looking to invest in water attractions as there are so many incredible water rides. Hop on Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster, then venture down the world’s longest water coaster, Mammoth, before relaxing in the wave pool.

Kids will love the huge variety of water slides designed just for them! I was blown away with all there was to do for kids not quite tall enough to tackle the big rides. Tembo Tides and Tembo Falls offer fun small slides and a kiddie wave pool!

Then venture to Safari Sam’s Splashland for even more slides, splash pads, and a wading pool. Kima Bay is a massive splash playground complete with a dumping bucket, even more, slides, and other fun water sprayers.

Bonus:  There is FREE sunscreen throughout the park

Tips For Visiting Holiday World Amusement Park

• They have FREE parking.
• Soft Drinks are FREE! These free soft drinks are Pepsi products, Gatorade, lemonade, tea, and water at Oasis stations throughout the park.
• For the best deals on tickets, purchase them online, then save even more money when choosing the pick your date option.
• Holiday World theme park offers a flexible date option for tickets.
• I recommend visiting during the week for lower crowds.
• A fun drone show is happening until the end of July.
• If you are visiting from out of town, plan on spending the night. You can easily spend a whole day, if not more, exploring Holiday World.
• Stroller and locker rentals are available.
• There is NOT a fast pass option for rides at the time of this article.

Browse The Santa Museum & Village

The Santa Claus Museum & Village is a top thing to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. Not only will you learn about the town’s history, but you can read letters to Santa that kids have written through the years.

The museum takes you on a journey showcasing how Santa Claus’s iconic theme park, Holiday World, came to be. After the museum, take a stroll outside to see the 1880 Santa Claus Church and the iconic 22-ft cement Santa statue dedicated to the children of the world. 

Stop into the original Santa Claus post office to write a letter to Santa. Don’t forget to jingle the bells to let the elves know to check the mail. You never know; come December, you may get a response.

TIP:   The museum and village are free, but bring a couple of dollars to donate to help keep this enchanting little village beautiful. Remember, Santa is watching.

Get Frozen Hot Chocolate At Santa’s Candy Castle

Step into a literal Candyland as you gaze upon walls and walls of nostalgic candy, homemade confections, and an entire wall of Pez dispensers. If you are looking for a particular type of candy, you will likely find it at  Santa’s Candy Castle .

However, you must try their world-famous frozen hot chocolate. Frozen hot chocolate is one sweet treat you will not want to share and is mandatory for every visit to Santa Claus.

While insane to some, including myself, the Candy Castle offers a food challenge that will likely leave you with intestinal distress. If you can stomach a pound of fire popcorn washed down for a half-gallon frozen hot chocolate and live to tell the tale, you will be featured in the Candy Castle hall of fame. This challenge has been featured in the Man Vs. Food series on Food Network; however, I won’t tell you if he completed it.

Fun Fact:  Santa’s Candy Castle was America’s First Themed Attraction, opening in 1935.

Go Horseback Riding At Santa’s Stables

One of my favorite things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, is go on a horseback ride with Santa’s Stables. Offering pony rides and trail rides for kids five and older,  Santa’s Stables  is a perfect family outing. Choose between a short 20-minute ride or a long 45-minute trail ride. The trail guide takes you into the beautiful shady woodland of southern Indiana.

The trail guides are knowledgeable and professional. They made my daughter feel at ease on her first trail ride and kept the entire ride upbeat with humor, sharing fun facts about the horses and Santa Claus, Indiana.

Tips For Going To Santa’s Stables

• There are no weight restrictions.
• Reservations are required
• Children 5-7 will need to ride double with a trail guide. This is what my daughter did, and she loved it.
• Helmets are required for children 17 and younger.
• Bring money to tip your guides.
• Santa’s Stables operates from April-October.

Go Shopping at the Santa Claus Christmas Store

Start your Christmas shopping early by stopping into the Santa Claus Christmas Store. This massive gift shop has everything you could need, from personalized gifts to tasty treats that would make the perfect souvenir. Browse thousands of Christmas collectibles, Christmas decorations, ornaments, and more.

Santa does make appearances during the Christmas season and select events.

Tip : The store is only open from May-December.

Grab Pizza At Frosty’s Fun Center

Frosty’s Fun Center is a great spot to bring the family for delicious pizza and a few arcade games. Frosty’s offers a wide variety of menu items, including sundaes and ice cream.

Tip:  Bring coins or cash because you need them to play the games.

Play A Round Of Golf At The Christmas Lake Golf Course

Try your hand at the Christmas Lake Golf Course. This championship 18-hole Golf Course is open to the public and has a full-service Golf Shop. The Christmas Lake Golf Course has a Putting Green and Driving Range.

See The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Minutes from downtown Santa Claus is the Lincoln Boyhood National Park. The park preserves the area where Abraham Lincoln spent his childhood, including the cemetery where his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried.

Start your tour a the Memorial Visitor Center, which offers tons of information about the park, Abraham Lincoln, and museum exhibits. Restrooms can be found at the Memorial Visitor Center, a bookstore, and a film and gift shop.

A living historical farm on the property that has been re-created to represent the 1820s homestead of the Lincolns. Park rangers are often seen in period clothing demonstrating farm life with historical tools and techniques.

Tips From Visiting The Lincoln Boyhood National Park

• There is no fee to visit the park or the Lincoln’s Indiana boyhood home.
• Get your National Park Stamp
• Kids can become Junior Rangers for free! Check-in with the front desk in the Memorial Center to get information on how they can become one.
• You can hike to the historic sites or park a lot closer to the Living Historical Farm.
• The Trail of Twelve Stones is a fantastic hike featuring important stones from the life of Abraham Lincoln and the period.

Go Hiking At Lincoln State Park

Directly across the street from the Lincoln Boyhood National Park is Lincoln State Park. Abe Lincoln spent a good portion of his youth in the region that is now Lincoln State Park. The park features a variety of activities, from camping to touring the historic Col. Jones Home.

Our recommendation is to hike the “Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk,” highlighting the park’s Lincoln-era sites such as Noah Gorden’s mill and the grave of Abe’s sister, Sarah Lincoln-Grigsby.

Another popular trail is the South Forty Trail, which takes visitors to the front of the Colonel Jones Home, and the Trail 1, which takes you around Lake Lincoln.

Become A Junior Ranger

If you are traveling with kids, stop into the Lincoln Boyhood National Park to have them sign up to be a Junior Ranger. Stop into the Memorial Visitors Center to get started. 

Kids will get a fun Junior Ranger packet they will have to fill out during their visit to the park. Upon completion, they get sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive their official pin!

Bonus:  This is all for free!

Go Fishing At Lake Lincoln

Stop into the camp store at Lincoln State Park to grab some bait and try your luck at fishing on Lake Lincoln. The lake is full of Bass, Bluegill, and more! A state fishing license is required and available at the park office.

Visit the Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Take a short drive to see one of only two Archabbeys in the United States. It is only one of 11 in the world!

Upon entering the chapel of the  Saint Meinrad Archabbey , you immediately feel that you have entered a place of God. Take a moment to appreciate the sanctuary’s beauty. After leaving the sanctuary, stroll the grounds and revel in gorgeous architecture and gardens.

You have the option to do a self-guided tour or opt to take a free tour.

Grab A Glass of Wine At Monkey Hollow Winery

A great place to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking a scenic vineyard is Monkey Hollow Winery. Swing into their tasting room, where you can enjoy a complimentary tasting of their award-winning wines and other distilled products.

The winery does offer live music on Saturdays from May-October.

Mail A Letter From The Santa Claus Post Office

Ever wonder where letters to Santa Claus are mailed? The ones that are addressed to Santa Claus arrive here! The Santa Claus Post Office is the only post office in the world with the Santa Claus name. Stop by to receive the famous Santa Claus postmark during the Christmas season.

Find All The Santa Statues Around Town

Do you enjoy a good scavenger hunt? You will find numerous Santa statues scattered throughout the town of Santa Claus. With Statues popping up in the most bizarre places, it is a great way to get familiar with the town.

Make it a personal goal to find every stature and get a #santaselfie. There is no official map of all the Santa’s, so you might have to ask around to ensure you have uncovered and photographed each one! Look high and low, for one Santa could be on the roof and the other outside of Subway.

Visit During The Christmas Season

While summer months are often the best time to visit Santa Claus, Indiana, the town transforms into a magical place during the Christmas Season. Local businesses often have fun events and participate in the annual parade. In a city where all things are Christmas, it is hard not to get into the holiday spirit during a visit in December.

Roast chestnuts over an open fire, enjoy the Santa Claus land of lights and have a pancake breakfast with Santa. Check the official Santa Claus Indiana website for more details on events.

Tip:  One thing I loved when I came during Christmas is that there were tons of small local events to get involved with.

We hope you have a very merry visit on your next trip to Santa Claus, Indiana! If you are looking for more things to do in Santa Claus, check out the article recapping our  Things To Do In Santa Claus in December.  

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out these related articles.

20 Exciting Things To Do In French Lick, Indiana 

A Girlfriend’s Weekend In Brown County, Indiana 

11 Awesome Things To Do In Frankenmuth, Michigan 

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• Christmas travel

15 Fun things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana!

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: May 9, 2022
• 8 minute read

Are you looking for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana? If so, keep reading!

Santa Claus, Indiana is one of those classic festive destinations to visit in the USA.

The name tells you everything you need to know! So, if you’re looking for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, keep reading as we have plenty of ideas for you!

As you can imagine, lots of the things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana are festive-themed. And with the city being called what it is, a lot of visitors arrive here for a little fill of the festive spirit!

But on this list, as well as all the classic festive things to do in San Claus, Indiana, we’ll also include some other non-festive activities too!

So, let’s get into and explore all the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

15 things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana!

Cave country canoes.

If you want to explore the natural side of Santa Claus, Indiana, there’s no better mode of transport than a canoe.

Not only is this one of the most exciting things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, but it gets your muscles working and heart beating too! Who doesn’t love a bit of good ol’ fashioned physical activity, right? 

You can book a cave country canoe for half a day, a full day, or turn your canoeing experience into a two-day affair. If you’re planning to hit the water for two days, we highly recommend camping nearby.

Not only will this make your trip to Santa Claus wonderfully rustic, but it’ll save you a heap of cash and keep you close to the water too! This is a great choice for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari

One of the top things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana is the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari . Aiming to channel the joy of the holidays year-round, this magical haven is an ideal place to visit with the entire family.

Although there’s plenty of Christmas theming at Holiday World, there are also sections dedicated to the 4 th of July, Spooky Season, and Thanksgiving.

As well as themed rides, you’ll also find themed food in each different section. Thanksgiving dinner in July, anyone?

When you’ve had your fill of dry land, it’s time to spend some time at the Splashin’ Safari. With several quirky rides on offer such as the Cheetah Chase Water Coaster and the intense Bakuli slide, a visit to the Splashin’ Safari is one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana for thrillseekers. 

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Are you fascinated by the life of former president Abe Lincoln? If so, you’ll want to add the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial to your list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Although you may know plenty about his later life and emancipation efforts, you might not be familiar with Abe’s early life.

This interesting museum is one of the top things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, as it delves deeply into Lincoln’s early life.

With a focus on his formative years, you’ll learn all about how this amazing man came to be one of America’s most prolific presidents. 

Lincoln Amphitheatre 

The Lincoln Amphitheatre is next on our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. If you love the arts, then you should totally visit the Lincoln Amphitheatre .

With an impressive 1,500 seats, this local performance venue hosts touring acts between May and October. However, the real highlight performed at the Lincoln Amphitheatre each year takes place during the summer.

The story of Abraham Lincoln is put on stage each year for visitors and locals alike, and we feel it’s one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana for anyone looking to expand their knowledge on the former president.

Hey, it’s a lot more interesting than reading up about the guy! 

Read more about exploring the USA: What food is Cleveland known for?

Santa Claus Museum & Village

No visit to Santa Claus, Indiana is complete without a visit to the Santa Claus Museum & Village . Not only does this amazing attraction teach you plenty about the history of this adorable town, but it even allows kids to write a personal letter to Santa Claus at the post office!

This is one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, as it really appeals to kids.

The letters are finished off postmarked to Santa Claus, and it’s an adorable touch to proceedings if we do say so ourselves. Not only is the museum informative, but it is completely free of charge.

If you have a spare few dollars though, do consider making a donation. It keeps the place running and it’s always appreciated. Another perfect choice for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Historic Santa Statue

There’s are many Santa-related things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. Realistically, the clue is in the name, right? Erected in 1935, a visit to the famous Santa statue is one of the things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana that everyone should put on their itinerary.

Although there’s not much to it, the sheer size of the 22-foot statue is enough to wow most people.

The Santa statue offers the perfect photo opportunity during the holiday season, but we highly recommend grabbing a snap of the family in front of the statue at any time of year. It’ll certainly brighten up your next Christmas card, that’s for sure!

This is another classic choice for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Read more about exploring the USA: The best drive-through Christmas lights in Florida

Santa’s Candy Castle

Who doesn’t love delicious candy? If you’re partial to a sweet treat or two, then be sure to add Santa’s Candy Castle to your list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

This is the perfect spot to visit if you’re traveling with kids. Sure, you may have to deal with slightly hyperactive tykes afterwards, but the sheer wonderment on their faces as you enter this sweet-filled paradise is worth the slight headache you’ll face. 

Inside the store itself, you’ll find retro candy, beautiful fudge, and even various flavors of popcorn!

It may be geared towards kids, but we feel Santa’s Candy Castle is one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana for adults who fancy a trip down memory lane. 

Pez, anyone?

Santa Claus Christmas Store

Next on our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, it’s the Santa Claus Christmas Store. As you might have gathered from its name, Santa Claus is packed with festive fun.

If you’re on the hunt for Christmas gifts this year, be sure to stop by the Santa Claus Christmas Store .

You may not be a typical Christmas fiend, but even Scrooges will appreciate the decorations and Christmas cheer on offer at this special store. Among the products are fragrances, ornaments, and baked goods. 

Although the stuff you can buy here is awesome, it’s the atmosphere and additional opportunities that make this store special.

Offering guests everything from pictures with Santa to freshly baked cookies at Mrs. Claus’ bakery, this Winter Wonderland is one of the things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana that’s not to be missed. 

Read more about exploring the USA: 20 fun things to do in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Santa’s Stables

There’s nothing more magical than a kid’s first horse-riding experience. This may not make it onto everyone’s list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, but it’s sure to prove a welcome addition to any animal lover’s itinerary.

At Santa’s Stables , you basically go on a guided tour of the surrounding woodlands. You can either opt for a speedy 20 minute ride, or a more comprehensive 45-minute tour. 

This is one of the finest things to do in Santa Claus, Michigan for curious kids. Not only will they learn the basics of riding a horse, but they’ll be surrounded by glorious woodlands too!

At the end of the ride, kids will be able to feed the horses and brush their coats. It’s a great all-round experience that is sure to be a blast for the whole family. Another great pick for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Read more about exploring the USA: 17 fun things to do in Titusville, Florida

Santa Claus Land of Lights

The Santa Claus Land of Lights is next on our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. Are you looking for some holiday magic this December?

If you’d like to experience one of the finest lighting displays in Indiana, then we highly recommend checking out the Santa Claus Land of Lights .

Coming in at 1.2 miles, this trail tells the story of Rudolph and Santa through the medium of light. With several light-up sculptures and a massive tree, this is one of our favorite things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana during the festive season. 

Ray Yellig Memorial Trail

If you need a break from all the holly-jolly in Santa Claus, Indiana, then why take a leisurely hike along the Ray Yellig Memorial Trail ?

This is one of our top recommendations for things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, as it’s short, sweet, and packed with wildlife-spotting opportunities.

It’s very short, so the trail is ideal for families with kids. It’s long enough to enjoy, but perfectly manageable for little legs.

If walking isn’t your bag, why not take a bike along the trail? You can loop it multiple times for a longer ride, or have a speed-run across the trail for a quick burst of fresh air. 

Whatever you choose to do on the Ray Yellig Memorial Trail, it’s one of the things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana that holds a special place in our hearts!

Spencer County Visitors Bureau

Next on our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, it’s the Spencer County Visitor’s Bureau. Those looking to learn more about the area should head to Spencer County Visitors Bureau.

As well as being an ideal place to pick up some town maps, you’ll be able to get detailed information from experts about the local area. When you’re traveling, it’s always tempting to focus on the main tourist sites.

However, visiting a dedicated visitors bureau is always an excellent idea, as you’ll get a local’s opinion on what’s hot and what’s not.

So, if you’re looking for some trip guidance and a few friendly faces, this is one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. 

Read more about exploring the USA: 21 things to do in Boise, Idaho

Holly Berry Farm

Do you love fresh produce? Are you a fan of holiday-themed markets? If so, you’ll absolutely love the next item on our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Regardless of whether you enjoy delicious eggplants or farm-fresh eggs, you’ll be able to purchase them and much more at the Holly Berry Farm . 

As you might expect, the Holly Berry Farm has a touch of holiday magic about it (there’s not much in Santa Claus that doesn’t!).

With plenty of festive crafts and goodies for sale year-round, this is the perfect pit-stop for anyone on the hunt for unique and thoughtful gifts. 

Frosty’s Fun Center

For a taste of Christmas, head down to Frosty’s Fun Center !

Although you won’t be served a traditional roast dinner at Frosty’s, you can order from an amazing diner-style menu that features items like hamburgers, pizza, and the famous Frosty Soft Serve. 

The food may be the main draw here, but there’s also a top-notch arcade that the kids love.

For this reason, we recommend this as one of the best things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana for tired parents who need a breather! Good food, good fun, and some time to talk to your partner? Priceless. 

Mistletoe Drive

The final spot on our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana is Mistletoe Drive. If you’re feeling chilly during the Christmas season, then this is one of the things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana that will get you out of the cold!

It may sound like a bizarre activity, but this scenic drive literally takes you past the most ostentatious homes in the area and lets you judge their Christmas displays.

No resident that lives on Mistletoe Drive takes this task lightly, so expect ridiculous displays of festivity that will knock your socks (and shoes) off! 

We hope that our list of things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana has provided some inspiration for your next trip!

With plenty of festive and historical activities on offer, this quaint spot in Indiana is one that we highly recommend exploring in detail!

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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What to do in Santa Claus, Indiana? Travel Guide for Families

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We had the opportunity to spend Mother’s Day weekend in Santa Claus, Indiana ! It was such a blast so I put together a little Santa Claus travel guide for you and your family. You can use this if you’re planning a little getaway during summer but I hope it will entice you to go even if it wasn’t on your plans!

Santa Claus, IN is a small town in the southwestern part of the state. It’s known for it’s Christmas theme. The Santa Claus Museum & Village are the home of an 1880 Santa Claus Church, Santa Claus Post Office and a tall, 1935 Santa Claus statue. The town attracts tourists and families from all over the midwest for its family-friendly  Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari themed roller coasters and a water park. But I’m here to tell you Santa Claus has much more to offer. Read on…

Santa Claus Indiana Travel Guide for Families

We stayed at the Lake Rudolph Campground and really enjoyed or log cabin. It’s small but it sleeps up to 8 people comfortably. They had a room with a king size bed and an upstairs loft-like room with a queen size mattress, plus 4 twin size mattresses on the other side of the loft. See video for a visual!

See Visit Indiana website for all of the other options and a description!

What to do in Santa Claus:

Holiday Park & Splashin’ Safari is a must for the whole family. We had a great day of fun and rides together. They have a lot of options for restaurants to eat and small shops with souvenirs and treats! Kids went wild with the Caramel Apples (and I must confess I did too!!)

Oh, Have I mentioned they have free sunscreen stations and free soda pop stations throughout the park?!

Santa Claus Museum & Village . They have an 1800’s Church building on site, a Santa Claus statue, and Santa’s post office. It’s a fun stop if you have little ones. They can write a letter to Santa in such a realistic experience. We loved reading all the letters sent from kids dating all the way back to 1930s at the Museum. The museum traces the local history and the origin of the town’s name.

Santa’s Candy Castle is a gigantic candy store with all kinds of candy options. They’re known for their hot chocolate smoothie, which sounds funny but everyone raves about it! We failed to try, so let’s change the subject! Ugh!!

Santa’s Stables is a family friendly horse riding experience. I can’t say enough great things about the ladies at the Stables. What a wonderful ride we had, the horses are tame and sweet, the kids didn’t have any experience with riding and everything went super smooth. We did the 45 min ride and it was so much fun. We went up and down hills, through creeks and beautiful trails. Must-do if you like horses!!

Santa Claus Christmas store is a huge store that features all kinds of Christmas decoration, sweat treats, collectibles and anything else you can think of that’s related to Christmas! We stopped by for a delish cookie and fudge which we found out are made in-house!!

There are so many parks to visit as well as a drive-in movie theater , but we didn’t have enough time to do it all. Click on the activities to see what they’re about!!

See here for all the Places to Eat : We ate at our cabin the night we arrived. They have a grocery store pretty close by the campground. We ate at the park on Saturday and at Frosty’s Fun Center & Arcade on Sunday before heading back home.

I hope we were able to entice you to pay a visit to this unique little town in the Southern Indiana area this summer!!

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[…] What to do in Santa Claus, Indiana? Travel Guide for Families […]

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Santa Claus Travel Guide & Tips, Indiana

• North America
• United States

Santa Claus is a town in Spencer County, Indiana, United States, in the southwestern part of the state. Located in Carter, Clay and Harrison Townships, it sits between Interstate 64 and the Ohio River. The population was 2,481 at the 2010 census, making it the largest community in Spencer County. The town was established in 1854 and known as Santa Fe (pronounced "fee"). In 1856, when the town was working to establish a post office, the United States Postal Service refused their first application as there was already a Santa Fe, Indiana established with the USPS. Several town meetings were held, during which the name Santa Claus was selected. The town has the world's only post office to bear the name of Santa Claus. Because of this popular name, the post office receives thousands of letters to Santa from all over the world each year. A group of volunteers known as Santa's Elves ensures each child receives a reply from Santa Claus; this tradition has been in existence since at least 1914. Every year, the post office also creates a special Christmas hand-cancellation pictorial postmark for use during December, which also attracts mail from all over the world. The pictorial postmark is chosen each year from submissions from art students at nearby high schools. Santa Claus has grown substantially since the 1990 census, which recorded 927 residents. A majority of Santa Claus residents live within the gated community of Christmas Lake Village, which was developed in the late 1960s by Bill Koch. It consists of 2,500 acres (10 km2) developed around three lakes: Christmas Lake, Lake Holly, and Lake Noel. The street names in Christmas Lake Village are all named after the Christmas season. Many residents also live in Holiday Village, a subdivision on the north side of town. Santa Claus is the home to numerous themed attractions including: Santa's Candy Castle, Santa Claus Museum, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Frosty's Fun Center, Christmas Lake Golf Course, and Santa's Stables. It is also home to Santa's Lodge and Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort.

This is a comprehensive travel guide for Santa Claus in United States. From budgeting tips to finding the best spots, this travel guide has got all the insider information to explore Santa Claus like a local. A gripping city on its own right, Bloomington also deserves a visit. Bloomington is bestowed with interesting set of attractions like Louisville Mega Cavern , Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory , Kentucky Derby Museum . To get to this city, remember that the nearest major airport is Monroe County Airport. A vacation to Santa Claus can typically be of 1-2 days. Immerse in the spirit of the city and you'll not miss your home.

Santa Claus is an affair to remember, follow this apt itinerary of the place and return home with a bunch of memories.

Santa Claus Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Santa Claus. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Santa Claus trip planner.

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Guide to visiting Santa Claus, Indiana

Santa and his elves aren’t the only ones who celebrate Christmas 365 days a year. There’s a small town in southwestern Indiana where every season is the holiday season, and there’s as much Christmas cheer in June as there is in December. Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana.

Related: From Alaska to New York City, here are 10 of our favorite US Christmas markets

At less than 7 square miles and with a population of about 2,500 people, Santa Claus manages to pack a lot of Christmas spirit into a small area. There’s a post office where you can write letters to Santa (and get a response from his elves), a holiday-inspired theme park, a massive holiday decor shop, and a candy store with every goody and gumdrop imaginable.

What’s even more extraordinary than finding a winter wonderland more than 3,000 miles from the North Pole is that it never set out to be “America’s Christmas Hometown” in the first place.

A Christmas miracle

In the 1850s, when the town now known as Santa Claus was large enough to apply for its very own post office, residents settled on the name Santa Fee. Unfortunately, the application was rejected because the name was too similar to an already established town in northern Indiana called Santa Fe.

According to local legend, while the townspeople were discussing new names at church on Christmas Eve, the church doors blew open and sleigh bells could be heard ringing outside. The children began yelling that Santa Claus must be outside, and the town had its name.

Related: 12 festive hotels for people who really love the holidays

After submitting a new application, the Santa Claus, Indiana, post office was officially established on May 21, 1856. The rest, as they say, is history (well, history and a bit of Christmas magic).

Putting Santa Claus on the map

Despite the fortuitous turn of events, Santa Claus didn’t immediately embrace its namesake. That didn’t happen until 1914 when the town’s then-postmaster, James Martin, began responding to letters addressed to Santa that found their way to the town’s post office, according to the Indiana Historical Bureau’s “Indiana History Blog .”

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Martin’s antics caught the attention of Robert Ripley of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” fame. He featured the town in one of his newspaper cartoons in 1930. The legend — and volume of letters — only grew from there. Christmas-themed tourist attractions began popping up all over town, many of which you can still visit to this day.

Related: 10 holiday destinations for festive family fun

Walking in a winter wonderland all year long

Today, a colorful Santa statue atop a “Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana” sign greets guests as they drive into town. It’s one of more than 20 Santa statues that you’ll find around town as you explore the attractions, scenery and year-round festive fun.

Here are some of the most popular spots to check out if you visit.

Santa Claus Museum & Village

The Santa Claus Museum & Village is where you’ll find some of the town’s original buildings, including the 1856 post office that started it all. The building no longer functions as a true post office, though you step inside to write and mail a letter to Santa. Every single letter is answered by a team of volunteer “elves.” If you can’t visit in person, you can also mail your letter from home .

You can also learn more about the town’s history inside the museum building, visit the original 1880 Santa Claus Church and see the town’s tallest Santa statue, a 22-foot-tall granite Santa carved in 1935.

There is no admission fee to visit the museum, but they do accept donations.

Santa’s Candy Castle

After Ripley’s mention garnered some major publicity for Santa Claus, Santa’s Candy Castle opened in 1935 as the town’s first tourist attraction. It’s often billed as the first themed tourist attraction in the country.

The exterior looks as if it were pulled straight from the pages of a fairytale. This is appropriate because the inside holds every child’s fantasy: an entire building of wall-to-wall candy. You’ll find nostalgic and current favorites, a room filled with practically every model of Pez dispenser, and weird yet wonderful sweets like lollipops with worms inside and some of the world’s spiciest candies.

While you are stocking up on sweets, pick up some of Santa Candy Castle’s signature popcorn flavors and a frozen hot chocolate. (It’s the perfect treat to cool you down if you visit during the hot summer months.)

Holiday World

If you visit Holiday World today, you’ll find lands themed to popular U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, Independence Day and, of course, Christmas. When it opened in 1946, however, it was dedicated solely to Christmas and went by the name Santa Claus Land . Guests could meet Santa, visit a toy shop and go on kiddie-sized rides.

Santa Claus Land predates Disneyland by nine years and is often lauded as the world’s first theme park. There are amusement parks that opened prior to Santa Claus Land, but none with a cohesive theme.

The family-owned and -operated park continues to grow in both size and popularity. You’ll still find plenty of kiddie rides, but the park also has three award-winning wooden coasters — The Raven, The Legend and The Voyage — the country’s first launched wing coaster called Thunderbird and a 40-acre water park. Parking, soft drinks and sunscreen are free at this family-friendly park that regularly receives accolades for its friendliness and cleanliness.

For the 2024 season, Holiday World will open a new coaster in the Thanksgiving section of the park called Good Gravy. Among other maneuvers, the gravy boat-shaped coaster cars will travel through a giant can of cranberry jelly and sail past an 18-foot-tall rolling pin along the nearly 1,500 feet of track. The park is also adding a play area for kids adjacent to the new ride, which is expected to open May 4, 2024.

Holiday World tickets start at $54.99 and include free admission to Splashin’ Safari Water Park (open seasonally). Preschoolers are eligible for a free season pass .

Santa Claus Christmas Store

You’d be hard-pressed to find more Christmas decor, toys, collectibles and ornaments than you’ll see on display inside the Santa Claus Christmas Store . In addition to shopping for friends and family or bolstering your own decor collection, you can purchase fudge and other holiday treats.

The Santa Claus Christmas Store is open from May 1 through Dec. 31. On select days, you can meet Santa for a photo and a quick rundown of your holiday wish list. You can check Santa’s availability on the store’s Facebook page .

Santa’s Toys

If you are shopping for little ones, Santa’s Toys has everything you need and then some. This ultimate toy shop carries toys for kids of all ages, including games, puzzles, wooden toys, stuffed animals and more. There are even tiny shopping carts that your kids can fill up with their favorites as they navigate the aisles.

Places to stay

When visiting Santa Claus, Indiana, you could stay in nearby Louisville, Kentucky, or Evansville, Indiana — both of which are only about an hour away. But if you want to keep the holiday fun going after a day spent exploring, you can stay right in the middle of it all.

If you love camping, Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is just next door to Holiday World; it offers tent and RV camping, as well as cozy cabins. If you prefer a more traditional hotel stay, Santa’s Lodge is only about a mile away and offers complimentary continental breakfast and fun outdoor activities like fishing, swimming and a playground. For a home-away-from-home feel, opt for Santa’s Lakeside Cottages .

Bottom line

It goes without saying that Christmas is an enchanting time of year to visit Santa Claus, Indiana, but you don’t have to wait for the holidays to visit. You can get your fill of holiday magic in spring, summer and fall because this town never takes down its Christmas decorations.

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Top Holiday Activities and Santa Sightings in Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana comes alive with the magic of the winter season, offering a delightful array of holiday events and activities that are sure to warm your heart. From festive light displays and parades, ice skating rinks, and seasonal culinary delights, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of the year. Explore our list of winter holiday activities in Southern Indiana and let the spirit of the season fill your days with joy, wonder, and cherished memories.

Top Holiday Activities

Jeff ice skating rink, huber’s orchard and winery, derby dinner playhouse holiday shows.

Welcome to “Jeff on Ice” – where the ice is calling and the fun never stops! At Jeff on Ice, the adventure begins on the hour, every hour, with 45-minute skating sessions that promise an exhilarating experience for all. 

For just $12 per ticket (plus fees), skaters of all ages can take to the ice and enjoy the thrill of gliding across the rink. Your ticket includes complimentary skate rental, so you can step onto the ice with ease.

Tickets for ‘Jeff on Ice” are on sale now, and the rink is open through December 31. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories on the ice this winter.

Wine, spirits and Christmas tree shopping  - At  Huber’s Orchard and Winery , guests can revel in the holiday spirit as they choose the perfect Christmas tree in a picturesque setting. Alongside the festive tree-picking experience, visitors will discover an extensive array of wines and spirits to make their holiday celebrations truly special. Huber’s Orchard and Winery provides the ideal destination for all your holiday needs.

Pop’s Reserve Release  - The highly anticipated Pop's Reserve Release Party will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. November 16 at Huber's Plantation Hall. Guests can savor complimentary chili and cheese while enjoying live music.

Mark your calendars, as the exclusive wine release will be available for the public to purchase from the winery starting at 10 a.m. November 17.

MESA is proud to offer a range of exciting holiday cooking classes this season. On December 1, there's a mouthwatering 3-Course Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., followed by a thrilling Christmas Movie Trivia event, both expertly led by Chef Liz Martino. For those looking to savor a farm-fresh Christmas experience, sign up for a delectable 4-Course "Farm to Table Christmas" with Chef Mike Bowe of Red Yeti on December 23. These culinary adventures promise a memorable holiday season for all. Get tickets for these and other dinners on the  MESA website .

MESA Kids Cooking School presents an engaging opportunity for young aspiring chefs! Their upcoming cooking class series, taking place every Wednesday from December 6 - 20, offers kids the chance to master the art of preparing delectable appetizers and desserts fit for the whole family. For just $27.50 per class, participants not only gain valuable culinary skills but also receive all the materials and ingredients required for each session. It's a hands-on, creative adventure that promises to leave young chefs inspired and their taste buds delighted! 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL

Step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens' timeless tale, brought to life in a dazzling Broadway musical! This lavish and thrilling production is a must-see for the holiday season, running from November 9, through December 31. For $42 to $51 per ticket, you'll enjoy a magical evening that includes dinner, the mesmerizing show, along with tax and parking. Plus, special discounts offered for AAA members and groups. Don't miss the chance to experience the holiday spirit in an unforgettable way. 

JACK FROST SAVES CHRISTMAS

Families looking for a delightful Children's Musical Theatre experience, tailored for children aged 3 to 12, won't want to miss this! Running from November 11 to December 23, every Saturday, Jack's captivating adventures in Christmastown will unfold before their eyes. Jack's journey involves discovering his icy talents and ultimately saving Christmas. 

With ticket prices set at $18 for Breakfast or $23 for Lunch, families can enjoy a kid-friendly meal, an enchanting show and hassle-free parking. It's the perfect recipe for a heartwarming holiday outing that the entire family can relish. Derby Dinner holiday shows sell out quick, so don’t delay! 

Santa, Mrs. Clause & Grinch Sightings 

When the enchantment of the holidays fills the air, there's no better way to embrace it than by sharing your wishes with the man in the red suit. This list is your guide to discovering the best places to visit Santa in Southern Indiana. If your heart is “two sizes too small”, you might prefer to see everyone’s favorite green villain, The Grinch, who has also been spotted in some SoIN locations. 

Charlestown: Christmas City

Fresco tea bar, green tree mall, bass pro shop, uncommon cups and cones.

Charlestown: Christmas City is one of SoIN’s most festive light displays with multiple locations lighting up to transform Charlestown into a “Christmas City.” Not only is the event a haven for spectacular lighting showcases and festive activities, but visitors can also meet Santa, reindeer and The Grinch! Visit the City of Charlestown website for a list of dates and times. 

Returning due to high demand Friday Dec. 8, the 3rd annual  “Pictures with the Grinch”  event is a must-attend! Guests can savor delicious Boba Tea and snacks before making their way upstairs to meet the beloved character in green. Plus, every family will receive a complimentary photo to cherish.  

Green Tree Mall is thrilled to welcome Santa Claus this holiday season for a heartwarming meet-and-greet experience Nov. 24 - Dec. 24. Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are always welcome and will be accommodated on a space-available basis. 

Visit Santa this season at Bass Pro Shops ! Santa will be available for your one free photo by reservation at Basspro.com/Santa so don't delay in getting your reservations now! The hours begin on Sunday, November 5 and run through December 24. 

Meet Santa in the upper room on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1-3 p.m. Share your Christmas wish list and snap a photo during this FREE event. 

Tyler Schaefer

Tyler Schaefer, a senior at Indiana University Southeast, has been a resident of southern Indiana his whole life. He attended New Albany High School and is now attending Indiana University Southeast where he is a strategic communications major. A man of many hobbies, whether that be playing various instruments in music groups or scraping the ground, tearing up asphalt in his project car, Tyler belongs to a number of communities in the Southern Indiana area. As a local, he is as familiar as any with the cultures, events and past times throughout SoIN. Tyler is currently combining his love and knowledge of Southern Indiana with his marketing, PR and content creation skills as an intern with SoIN Tourism.

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Indiana theme park named best in the US

SANTA CLAUS, Ind. (WKRC) - A theme park in Indiana was named the best in the United States.

Vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo ranked dozens of theme parks in the U.S. based on the following factors for its annual Theme Park Index :

• Affordability
• Attractions
• Nearby lodgings

Indiana's Holiday World & Splashin' Safari outranked the rest on HomeToGo's list of 42 theme parks. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, the park was determined to be one of the most affordable in the country.

"With complimentary soft drinks, sunscreen, and WiFi available throughout the parks, excellent value for money is provided even past the ticket, parking, and accommodation costs," HomeToGo wrote.

To determine a park's affordability, HomeToGo took the following factors into consideration:

• Ticket price
• Parking price
• Nightly vacation rental price

To score a park's attractions, these factors were taken into consideration:

• The number of active roller coasters at each park
• The number of active attractions at each park

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari scored a 28.56 in affordability and 15.65 in attraction for a total score of 44.21.

By comparison, Cedar Point , which came in second, posted a 23.46 in affordability and a 19.21 in attraction for a final score of 42.67.

Kings Island landed in sixth place on the list of 42, posting a score of 24.23 in affordability and 17.12 in attractions for a total of 41.35.

To see HomeToGo's complete list and the methodology behind its scoring, you can click HERE.